Chapter 38 – Another Family Night (long)

"I missed that sound." Charlotte said standing at the window.

"I know." Gran said. "I think that this is the first time in a long time I have seen JP really truly happy."

"As much as I was against Elizabeth coming here." Charlotte said. "I think she might actually be good for JP right now, I just don't know about the long run. He doesn't know her and he is not thinking straight. I think Laura has more to do with this than anything and when he realizes that, he will move on."

"I know that she is good for JP in the long run." Gran said. "I think that part of the reason that he stepped in had to do with Laura, but there is more to it than that. You need to talk to your son, you are assuming things that you don't know for sure. I haven't seen him smile this much in years. She is actually a very lovely girl. She doesn't care about the money. She felt the connection with JP before she knew about the money."

Charlotte whipped around.

"What do you mean?" Charlotte said.

"She didn't know who he was when he stepped in at the park." Gran said. "His name sounded vaguely familiar, but she had no idea who he was."

"She is lying." Charlotte snapped.

"No, she is not." Gran said. "She and I have visited at length. She is genuine. She honestly cares about JP as a person. She feels bad about him spending money on her and having to rearrange things because he wants to protect her. She has no idea how wealthy JP is and honestly doesn't care about money. She wants to go to school and have a future with JP. Hell, even JP doesn't really care about the money. Have you ever talked to him about what he wants and actually listened to what he actually said he wanted."

"I don't believe her." Charlotte said. "She puts on a good act, but I still think JP needs to be careful. Like I said he doesn't know what he wants. He is too young to know what he wants. He needs to listen to his father and I, we know what is best for him. He is going to go to school and become a lawyer like we have planned."

"Charlotte Lucille Sims-Thornton." Gran said with a warning tone. "That will be enough."

Charlotte turned to look at her mother.

"Elizabeth is not Lacy." Gran said. "Elizabeth is kind and caring. She wants to be an elementary teacher to give back. She loves children and wants to have a bunch one day. I can honestly say that her and JP love one another. Now, before you fly off the handle. I have talked to both of them that they need to be careful and do things in the proper order. That includes both of them dealing with trauma that brought them together. They both agree that they need to take things slow. But then again after today, I am not sure that they will be able to do that.

As far as JP doing what you and Thomas tell him, I told you to talk to him and actually listen to him. JP is an adult and if he doesn't want to do something, he is not going to. You need to find a way to accept his choices or you are the one that is going to suffer. I am not saying that it is easy to allow your children to make their own choices, but you have to do it. As parents, you can only guide your children, you can't dictate to them about their future."

"How can they love each other?" Charlotte asked. "They have known each other for a few days."

"And I knew I loved you father the first time I saw him." Gran said. "We started dating, were engaged within a month and married a year later."

Charlotte let out a harsh breath and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

"This was not what I had planned." Charlotte muttered.

"And you are going to have to let it go." Gran said. "Like I said, JP is an adult and will be with who he wants, whether you like it or not. You know I wasn't happy when Christopher started seeing Molly and even less thrilled when they got pregnant before they were married. However, I know how much they love each other now and loved each other back then. I can't imagine Christopher's life without Molly."

"I suppose you are right." Charlotte said. "What about school? He is supposed to get his law degree. What happens if they end up like Chris and Molly."

"You need to have faith that things will work out." Gran said. "No matter what happens, James and I will be there to support them. Besides, it sounds like Elizabeth is determined to attend school and make something of herself with or without JP. I trust them. I also know that JP will be a gentleman or he will have to deal with me."

"But …." Charlotte said.

"But nothing." Gran said. "I love Christopher, but that doesn't mean I didn't yell and scream at him for a time about what happened."

"I guess." Charlotte said. "I don't like it. I don't like one thing about this situation and I am not going to keep quiet. JP needs to follow the plan that was set before him and that girl is not a part of that plan."

"Just remember." Gran said. "You try to keep them apart and it will only push them closer. Nathan has a good head on his shoulders and they won't be alone. I doubt that he will allow JP to act inappropriately. Again, I told you that you can't dictate what JP does or you will make things worse."

"I guess." Charlotte said. "I am still going to talk to Thomas about this. This is not the end of things."

"And I advised JP to talk to you both." Gran said. "Now it is a wonderful afternoon, supper is in the oven, so let's enjoy our time."

"Yes." Charlotte said.

"I am going back outside." Gran said.

Charlotte took a couple deep breaths, but followed her mother.

Back outside at the pool, Jack had challenged Nathan to a few laps. Elizabeth smiled and shook her head.

"Boys." She muttered to herself.

She watched as both of them swam back and forth. She was in awe of the way Jack's body moved. This was really the first time she was getting to see him without a shirt on. She knew he had muscles from when he had his arm around her, but to see them on full display was something else. She watched as his muscles flexed as he glided through the water. She closed her eyes and tried to shake the image from her head. She knew it was going to be hard to take things slow and at that moment, she was glad that Gran had suggested she change out of the tiny bikini that she had previously been wearing. Elizabeth took a moment to look over at Nathan, which didn't help her swirling thoughts. He was just as good looking at Jack, and just as muscular. She would readily admit that Nathan was handsome, but she knew that her heart belonged to Jack. She looked at Nathan for the handsome guy he was, but she was sure that there were no romantic feelings for him. She just had so many swirling emotions in her that she wasn't sure about everything and she also knew that it had been a crazy few days and she needed to take a step back to think about things.

Elizabeth watched as Jack stood up in the pool not far from her and shook the water from his head and flipped his hair back. As she watched Jack, she was even more sure of the image that she had seen at church. When she saw the image of them standing in front of the church, it was like she was watching a movie. Elizabeth was sure that she was meant to be with Jack, but it was hard because she was also looking at Nathan who was a handsome man. She felt safe with Nathan, but it was more like a brotherly feeling. But it was still confusing since Elizabeth had so many swirling emotions. She had to get up and walk away because she felt something in the pit of her stomach that she had never felt before and it scared her.

Gran saw Elizabeth walk off under the patio, flushed and shaking her head. She decided to go check on her. Gran thought she knew what was going on, but wanted to be certain nothing was really wrong.

"Are you okay?" Gran asked softly coming up behind Elizabeth.

"I don't know." Elizabeth said. "I was sitting on the edge of the pool and suddenly there was a feeling in the pit of my stomach that I never felt before. Then I got all hot and flushed."

"Hormones." Gran said.

Elizabeth whipped around and looked at Gran with wide eyes.

"I didn't say that there was anything wrong." Gran said. "I suspect that it was a reaction to a certain young man in the pool without a shirt. It is normal to feel things when you see someone you are attracted to. What you need to do is learn to control those feelings until you are in a place and time when you can act on those feelings. See why I suggested a different swimsuit."

"Oh." Elizabeth said with a new understanding.

"Like I said." Gran said. "Nothing is wrong with the way that you are feeling. You just need to be careful what you do about it. Being aware of what you are feeling is the first step in that."

"I have never felt this way before." Elizabeth said. "I don't understand why all of a sudden …. I felt out of control when I saw Jack in the pool."

"Because." Gran said. "I suspect you have never been interested in a boy before. Just know that what you are feeling is normal. It is what you do with those feelings that I am worried about. JP will be a gentleman and never push you. But sometimes it is hard to put the brakes on things when hormones get going. I just want you to be aware that you need to be as careful as does he. Don't push each other into situations where you both could get out of control. JP was raised to believe that certain things are reserved for a husband and wife, only."

"I know." Elizabeth said. "We talked about it. I don't want to make things harder for him to follow what he believes, but what do I do about how I am feeling."

"Walking away for a moment was a good start." Gran said. "Not being alone in tempting situations is another."

"And watching what I am wearing around him is another." Elizabeth said.

"Yes." Gran said. "I don't want to make you self-conscious, but you are a beautiful young woman. I want you to dress so you are comfortable, but I also think you need to be aware of the effect you can have on men. You are spending time with two young men, in the presence of a teenage boy. Soon there will be at least one, maybe two other young men joining you guys. None of them would ever do anything to hurt you. I just don't want you to make things uncomfortable for them. I also don't want you to be uncomfortable. Please just be aware."

"Thank you for talking to me." Elizabeth said. "I was thinking about what Katie got me for clothes. I was wondering if at some point tomorrow, maybe you can look at what she sent and let me know if you think something is better left in my bag."

"I will do that." Gran said. "I think JP also told you that you are welcome to wear the clothes hanging in the closet. Most are Laura's, but there are some of Melissa and Emily's things in there. If they fit you, you are welcome to wear them. I know that Laura had a thing for vintage dresses, so there are plenty of them in there. I doubt that she even wore some of them herself. Melissa and Emily have worn a few of her things over the last few years."

"Are you sure you don't mind?" Elizabeth asked.

"I am sure." Gran said. "There comes a time when we need to move on. Laura will never be like she used to. We need to accept that and move on. I just haven't brought myself to get rid of her clothes. It was the one thing that she would splurge on."

"I don't wear a lot of dresses." Elizabeth said. "But I was looking at some of them, as well as the tee-shirts and blouses. There are some that I wouldn't mind wearing."

"Feel free." Gran said.

"Thank you again." Elizabeth said.

"Feeling better?" Gran asked.

"Yes." Elizabeth said. "Although, I think I will change. Nathan got my cover up wet."

"You do what you need to." Gran said. "We will be eating outside here in about thirty minutes. I will make sure that the boys have shirts on for supper, but you do what you need."

"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "What are the plans for the evening?"

"After we eat." Gran said. "I suspect the guitars will come out, but it will probably be an early night, since yesterday and today have been long. The boys also have jumping practice at ten in the morning with Marco."

"Okay." Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth headed inside to change while Gran went back to sit along the pool.

"Elizabeth okay?" Jack asked.

"She is fine." Gran said. "She just went to change."

"Oh." Jack said.

"I said she is fine." Gran said. "Besides, we will be eating soon. You boys should dry off as well. You don't have to change, but I expect shirts on for supper. We will be eating outside."

"Okay." Jack said.

Jack and Nathan climbed out of the pool and each grabbed a towel. The sun had gone behind some clouds and the air was cool. Nathan towel dried himself before heading inside to change. Jack wasn't that far behind him. Both of them returned to find Elizabeth and Tommy setting the table outside.

"Want to play guitar after supper?" Jack asked.

"Sure." Nathan said. "Need to do a night check on the horses?"

"I should." Jack said. "I know I didn't last night, but Grandpa didn't say anything."

"I am sure he is cutting you some slack." Nathan said. "It is a slightly different situation you are in right now."

"I know." Jack said. "I still feel bad. I know that having horses is a responsibility and I should be pulling my weight."

"And you are allowed to relax a little." Nathan said. "We took care of the horses this morning after little sleep, plus we put in a full practice. Speaking of which, I am going to need you to put some more of that muscle stuff on my shoulder later."

"Want me to do it now?" Jack asked. "I was going to put some on my calf and thigh."

"Why not." Nathan said. "Can always do it again if I am still hurting."

The boys headed into the house near the hot tub, where they found the muscle rub. Nathan also spotted the massage table. Jack did Nathan's shoulders and then Nathan did his. They then each put it on various other places before returning to the group outside.

"Jack." Nathan said. "What is up with the massage table?"

"When I was jumping full-time." Jack said. "Grandpa or Marco would massage my legs. Especially when I was riding up to six hours a day."

"We keep this up." Nathan said. "And I am probably going to need a good massage."

"That can be arranged." James said, sitting next to Nathan.

"Thanks." Nathan said. "I may take you up on that."

"Marco suggested after you ride tomorrow." James said. "That is both you and JP get a workout done in the gym. He sent a list of exercises and I posted it in the gym. It is a trimmed down version of what JP used to do, but it should help build some more leg strength. Good job on beating him today, but don't think he is going to let it happen again. At least not easily."

"Good to know." Nathan said. "I think working out in the gym might be just what I need. I could really feel it in my left leg when I was trying to get Honey to turn."

"Don't hurt yourself." James said. "But you ride great. Is there a reason that your left leg is weaker?"

Nathan turned and showed James a faint scar that ran from his mid-thigh to just below his knee on the inside of his leg.

"What happened?" James asked. "If you don't mind me asking."

"It is fine." Nathan said. "It happened when I was seventeen. I was at a party. Some guy got drunk and didn't like it when I told him to back off from a girl who obviously didn't want his attention. I didn't know he had a knife on him. I thought I had the upper hand and then the next thing I know I woke up in the ER, sixty some stitches later. I used crutches or a cane for months. I thought it was going to derail my dreams completely. I worked really hard to get the strength back. But normal strength and strength needed to ride competitively are different things."

"Your right." James said. "But Honey is a great horse. Give it a couple days, she will respond better to you and you won't need to put as much muscle into it. Use your reins when you are riding her. She was originally trained for a para rider, but we found she liked to jump more. So we retrained her as a jumper."

"Good to know." Nathan said.

"Sorry." Jack said with a dimpled grin. "I forgot about that."

"No problem." Nathan said. "I still beat you."

"You aren't going to let that go are you?" Jack said.

"Not until you beat me." Nathan said with a grin. "You want bragging rights, earn it."

"Oh you can count on it." Jack said.

"Keep it civil boys." James said.

"We will." Jack said. "But you know how I hate to lose."

Jack flashed a full dimpled grin at them.

"Yes." James said. "So work harder. Those horses are evenly matched as far as the training and physical condition. You both know that most of the time, it is the rider that makes the difference when it comes to evenly matched horses."

"Now enough of that." Gran said. "Supper is ready."

Everyone gathered around the table. James led them in prayer. Gran had made a wonderful casserole with garlic bread and a salad. It was a cheesy beef casserole with penne and marinara sauce. It also had bell peppers and onions in it. Gran had made two dishes of it, it heated up nice for leftovers later.

"Nathan." Gran said. "A glass of wine?"

"Please." Nathan said.

"JP or Elizabeth want a bit?" Gran asked.

"Just a little." Jack said. "Maybe two fingers."

Elizabeth just looked at him.

"I am not riding." Jack said. "I am not driving. I am staying at the house and it is a small amount with a meal."

"But you are only eighteen." Elizabeth said.

"And this is my house." James said. "JP knows I don't approve of underage drinking as a general rule, but I was also raised that a little wine with a meal isn't bad. He can go to Canada or most places in Europe and legally drink. This is very different from having someone spike your drink with vodka, repeatedly. It is ridiculous that he can enlist in the military but can't enjoy a nice wine with a good meal. JP has proved he is responsible enough to make his own decisions and if he wants a little wine with a good meal, then I will allow it."

"Can I have a sip?" Elizabeth asked.

Gran poured her a finger amount.

"If you don't like it." Gran said. "Don't worry about it."

Elizabeth took a sip.

"Not bad." Elizabeth said.

The rest of the meal went fine. Neither Jack or Elizabeth had more wine than Gran had initially poured for them. Overall it was a very enjoyable meal. When everyone was finished. Nathan and Jack cleared the table and got the dishes in the dishwasher before heading back out. The temperature had dropped a bit and there was the feel of rain in the air so James had started the fire. Jack pulled out the guitars. It was the first time that Nathan had really looked at either guitar closely. He realized they were both expensive ones. Jack's was a Gibson with a hummingbird design with flowers on the pickguard and it appeared to be a newer guitar, but well played. Nathan then took a look at the one he was playing and realized it was also a very expensive guitar. It was an E.J Henderson D-42. The pickguard had swirls of black and a tan in it. It also had a mother of pearl eagle inlay on the headstock above the tuning keys. Jack saw Nathan admiring both guitars.

"If you like those." Jack said. "You should see my vintage Stratocaster."

"I am afraid to ask." Nathan said.

"It is an original 1960 Fender Stratocaster in Daphne Blue." James said.

"That I would love to see." Nathan said.

"Maybe I will even let you play it." Jack said with a smirk. "Just not tonight. I have at least three other vintage electric guitars up in the house, including twin 1969 Les Paul custom guitars in ebony and the other is a Duesenberg in a nickel color with a green tint to it. I also have a very rare acoustic guitar, a 1963 Gibson Hummingbird, that I don't play that much because of how rare it is. I will have to show you at some point."

Nathan shook his head. He realized that one thing that Jack splurged on was guitars, not that he minded. At least he knew that he and Jack also shared a love of vintage guitars. As much as Nathan loved them, he had never had enough money to buy one himself. That didn't mean that he didn't appreciate them when he saw them.

Author's Note: I thought that I would include the recipe of the casserole that Gran made since it is one that I have made many times. I will include others as I include things that I have actually made or had in the past.

Cheese Beef Casserole

Penne pasta

Ground beef

Olive oil

Vidalia onion

Red bell pepper

Garlic

Ground oregano

Salt and pepper

Marinara sauce

Shredded mozzarella

Fresh basil

How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Casserole

Boil a pound of penne pasta and while that's going, in a large Dutch oven or similarly big pot, cook a pound of ground beef with onions, red peppers, and season with garlic and oregano.

Add the cooked pasta into the Dutch oven, add marinara sauce, and stir in mozzarella. Turn it all out into a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake until the cheese melts.